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Athens, Ga. - This election season, the University of Georgia Richard B. Russell Library for Political Research and Studies will host a series of non-partisan film screenings, community forums, debate viewings, stump speeches and even a few entertainment features in a series of programs titled "Ready, Steady, Vote!"

Focusing on preparing the citizenry for the various local, state and national political races, the series will take place in the new Richard B. Russell Building Special Collections Libraries in the exhibit area on the second floor. The events are free and open to the public, and event parking is available in the Hull Street parking deck at no cost to attendees.

Dates and short descriptions of each event are listed below.

Sept. 6 - 6:30-9 p.m.Film Screening: Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939)The doors to the library will be open for light refreshments before the start of this classic film starring Jimmy Stewart. John Inscoe, UGA's Albert B. Saye Professor of History in the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences, will provide a brief introduction before the movie starts at 7 p.m. The film will run 129 minutes.

Sept. 11 - 5:30-7 p.m.Community Forum: America's Role in the WorldThe forum will focus on themes of domestic security and cooperation with other players in the global society. Participants will deliberate on the issues, weigh the benefits and tradeoffs of various approaches, and explore possible solutions using the National Issues Forums model.

Sept. 18 - 5:30-7 p.m.Community Forum: Economic Security: How Should We Take Charge of Our Future?As the nation slowly recovers from its worst recession in decades, participants will be asked to reflect on how to best take charge of their future so that their families can feel reasonably secure, their children can prosper, and they can move toward a financially stable retirement. Guests will deliberate on the issues, weigh the benefits and tradeoffs of various approaches, and explore possible solutions using the National Issues Forums model.

Sept. 25 - 5:30-7 p.m.Community Forum: Immigration in America: How Do We Fix a System in Crisis?Many Americans believe the current immigration system needs an overhaul. Tackling the immigration issue requires that a new perspective is taken in order to move beyond the polarized debates that too often divide the country rather than align it. Today's challenge is to create a system that reflects the country's essential values as a nation of laws as well as a nation of immigrants. Participants will deliberate on the issues, weigh the benefits and tradeoffs of various approaches, and explore possible solutions using the National Issues Forums model.Oct. 11 - 6:30-9 p.m.Film Screening: The Contender (2000)The doors to the library will open for light refreshments before the start of this drama/thriller staring Jeff Bridges. Brief introductions will be made before the movie starts at 7 p.m. The film will run 126 minutes.

Oct. 16 - 8-10:30 p.m.Presidential Debate WatchParticipants will witness history in the making as they gather to watch the candidates debate on a large screen for viewing. Jamie Carson, associate professor of political science in the UGA School of Public and International Affairs, will introduce the town-hall style debate and facilitate discussion.

Nov. 1 - 6:30-9 p.m.Film Screening: The Candidate (1972)The doors to the library will be open for light refreshments before the start of this classic film starring Robert Redford and Peter Boyle. Brian Drake, professor of history in UGA Franklin College of Arts and Sciences, will provide a brief introduction before the movie starts at 7 p.m. The film will run 110 minutes.

Nov. 5 - 5:30-7 p.m.Art Opening and Reception: DoorsIn 2011, the special collection libraries commissioned acclaimed painter Art Rosenbaum to create a mural in its new gallery space. The result, titled Doors, traces Georgia's modern political history from 1900 through the present and depicts many of the major figures and events that shaped the state. This reception will serve as an opportunity to dedicate the finished mural, which is approximately 10 feet by 36 feet, with commentary from Art Rosenbaum and the staff of the special collection libraries.